Interim Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis says the problems at Jefferson County Public Schools are too big for the district to solve on its own.

That was his conclusion after a 14-month state management audit of the district, and he had been on the job for less than two weeks. If his recommendation for a state takeover of the district is ultimately followed, that would wrest control from Superintendent Marty Pollio and the elected members of the district's board.

But how did we get here? We'll walk you through some of the specifics.

What is an audit?

An audit is a comprehensive review by an outside agency. In this case, JCPS was being reviewed by the Kentucky Department of Education, and the audit looked at every aspect of the district's management.

In February 2017, Stephen Pruitt — the previous education commissioner — said he was particularly "bothered" about student safety, including the use of restraint and seclusion, and launched an audit of the school system.

Lewis' recommendation for a state takeover — which was attached to the audit report — cited, among other issues, a flawed system to investigate and account for physical restraints of students, poor achievement test scores and a student-assignment plan that "has a distinct, negative impact on the most vulnerable populations of JCPS students."

What is a state takeover?

A state takeover strips the governing power of JCPS from the locally controlled school board. So instead of Pollio and the elected school board having the final say in things relating to your child's education, it will come down to Lewis, as commissioner.

What can change with Kentucky in charge?

Well, potentially a lot.

If Lewis' recommendation is approved by the state board of education, then he'll govern all major decisions about your child's education. Lewis has not said what he'll do if given power over the district.

It could change everything from where your child goes to school to whether property taxes are raised.

It's important to note that Lewis was appointed after previous Pruitt resigned under pressure just a day after Bevin appointed seven new members to the board of education. And last year Bevin called the district an "unmitigated disaster."

The change also could mean a more charter-friendly approach to public education. Lewis is a staunch supporter of charter schools.

Was JCPS not trying to change?

Lewis recognized in his recommendation letter that JCPS was making strides.

“I think they clearly noted we were headed in the right direction,” Pollio said shortly after seeing Lewis' recommendation and the audit.

When asked why the state would intervene when JCPS is making strides, Bevin said it wasn’t his call.

“Ultimately that’s not my involvement,” Bevin said. “The board will ultimately make that decision. Marty Pollio is doing a great job, he’s phenomenal. You think of this, this guy who ran one of the most success(ful), one of the best principals we ever had. A guy who was willing to take on a task that’s pretty tough."

Would the JCPS board and the superintendent be powerless?

The school system's finances, operations and other chief responsibilities would fall to the state.

But Lewis said he would "delegate authority for the daily operation of the district" to Pollio.

Pollio would have to meet weekly with Associate Education Commissioner Kelly Foster to go over the district's progress.

Lewis also said he had "no intention of removing elected members" of the JCPS board. Instead, he asked that the board "continue to meet and function in an advisory capacity to Dr. Pollio and to me."

So, what's next?

We wait.

The district has until May 30 to appeal Lewis' recommendation and argue its case in front of the 11-member state education board before it votes on a final decision.

But other players are looking to take action against the takeover too.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell, who is up for re-election, said he is ready to assist with any potential legal challenge.

"As a constitutional public officer, I will explore every legal option available to oppose the Bevin Administration’s overreach and attempted takeover of Jefferson County Public Schools," O'Connell said. "I will work to protect the interests of Jefferson County citizens, to the extent that I am able to participate, in what, undoubtedly, will be future court proceedings."

Pollio said he intends to talk with the district's legal counsel and JCPS board members about the district's next steps. There is a board meeting May 8.